Tribute To Marilyn (Smith) Shahan
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To everything there is a season, a time for every
matter under heaven; a time to be born,
and a time to die; a time to plant,
and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away.
-Ecclesiastes
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In the memory of Marilyn (Smith) Shahan, so that together we all may acknowledge and share both our joy in the gift that her life was to us, and the pain that her passing brings. In sharing the joy and the pain together, may we lessen the pain and remember more clearly the joy.
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Marilyn was 77 when she passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 3rd, 2018 at her home in Gate Oklahoma. Marilyn was born on November 25, 1940 in Enid to Mabon Smith & Clara Dobson Mahan. It’s hard to say goodbye. We all wish that we had more time, and perhaps that during the time we all had we had spent more of it together. We all wish that so much of her life had not been lost to her illness, that things could have been different for her, and for us. While we all know that she is at peace and that her struggles are at an end, there is pain and sadness. But even though she is gone, she has left the legacy of her love and perseverance. The ways she touched our lives will remain, and we all keep those memories alive by sharing them with one another.
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The most important things in Marilyn’s life was family, her animals, gardening and expressing it all through her art. She was indeed a special person. It takes patience, perseverance and a love for living things to raise and care for animals, grow a garden or a beautiful flower. It is all tedious and hard work, but there is something that she and people like her know and experience that others sometimes do not. There is a beauty and a satisfaction in seeing the result of our labor grow and come to fruition. There is a peacefulness that can come over us as we care for family, our animals, flowers and plants in a garden. In nurturing living things and helping to bring beauty and peace to the world through her art, Marilyn and people like her make a difference in the world and make their lives and the lives of those who see and experience the fruits of their labor richer and fuller. For Marilyn maybe caring for animals, working in the garden and her art was a way to be the careful loving & nurturing person that she didn’t really get the chance to be or express to others in these last years of her life.
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Here is a poem by Helen Steiner Rice entitled ‘Spring Garden’
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So when I looked at those flowers,
I was looking at God
For they bloomed in His sun
and grew in His sod
And each lovely flower
was a “voice from above”
That whispered a message
of Kindness and Love
For I feel in my heart,
and I know you do, too,
That God speaks to us all
through the kind things we do
And when I looked at those flowers
I couldn’t help but feel
That they brought heaven nearer
and made God so real.
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Marilyn is survived by two sons Brett Watson & Darren (Brenda) Watson, three brothers Gary (Deanna) Smith Tx, Ronnie Smith Ok, Doug Smith Ok; and four sisters, Judy (Bob)Lewis Tx, Susan (Mike) Morykon Va, Gail Litton Ok & Janie (Charlie) Carpenter Ok, 3 grandchildren Joey (Sarah) Watson, Tina Watson & Brandon Watson, one great granddaughter Taylor Watson, as well as other relatives and friends.
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She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom, son John-O Brisbois, parents, sister Carol Bond.
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Her family, animals, gardening and art, was the most important things to Marilyn. This is where she drew her strength and left her legacy. Her art was what Marilyn enjoyed most of all. Her life had many obstacles, and she struggled for 15 years with a devastating illness. Yet through it all, her love of family and caring for her animals remained her focus, and in so many, many ways, she was able to show that love to us. This perseverance through adversity is a powerful lesson for us, and believe it is her legacy. What a wonderful lesson she gave us. Keep your priorities straight. Keep that which is most important in focus. Love and care for your family. Let them know in all the ways you can show them that you love them. Don’t let adversities or setbacks or any of the distractions of the world keep you from this most important aspect of life.
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How many people in this world have it so much easier than Marilyn did. How many never had to face half the trouble she faced, and yet lose sight so easily of what is truly important. Many of us get distracted by insignificant things in life, many of us brood and focus on our little problems, forgetting that which is most important.
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But through everything Marilyn went through, she managed to keep her priorities straight. What can be more important than loving and showing your love for your family, and animals? How can some of us who are blessed with so much forget to be thankful to God, while amazingly somehow Marilyn kept her faith through all of her trials.
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This is a wonderful legacy. This is a wonderful example to follow. Keep focused on what is truly important, not only when your life is easy, but when it is difficult too.
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Knowing how much her home, family, animals and art meant to her, it was such a special blessing that through the help of John & Cathy Edwards, Hien’s Family, and sister Susan that she was able to remain at home with all the things dear to her where she passed away, as well in her final weeks spend time with her sons, brothers, sisters, and family. Her love of life, family, animals and art she shared with all of us will live on and be with us even now that she has gone to be with God.
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The Twenty-Third Psalm
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The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the
paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of
the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:
for thou art with me; Thy rod and
thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence
of mine enemies: thou anointest my head
with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life: and I will
dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
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Memorials may be made through the funeral home to Hospice Chaplin Janet of Woodward.
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To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Marilyn Kay Smith Shahan please visit our Sympathy Store.
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Condolences can be made to the family online at Andersonburris.com. Honored to be recognized nationally, the past 6 years, for the Pursuit of Excellence award. Because family matters, let us take care of yours. We are proud to own the only crematory in Garfield county and ensure your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve while never leaving our care. Visit 3002 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580)233-2700.
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Obituaries are posted due to the generosity of these sponsors...
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